The goaltending situation in Toronto has taken yet another twist.
On Friday, the Marlies, AHL affiliate for the Maple Leafs, signed Ray Emery to a PTO. The veteran puck stopper was released from his tryout with the Ontario Reign earlier this month.
This particular move comes with Jonathan Bernier currently holding the No. 1 netminder spot with the Maple Leafs due to injuries to James Reimer and now Garret Sparks.
Babcock says "There's no decision." Bernier starts vs #LAKings because every other #Leafs goalie is hurt.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 18, 2015
James Reimer is progressing but not ready. Mike Babcock says #Leafs will call up Antoine Bibeau to back up Jonathan Bernier vs. #LAKings.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 18, 2015
Bernier, who recently concluded his conditioning stint in the minors, is still searching for his first win of the season, despite playing in 11 games. He replaced Sparks on Thursday after the rookie goalie suffered a lower-body injury versus the Sharks.
The Maple Leafs host the L.A. Kings on Saturday. With trade rumors swirling around him -- reports that the Calgary Flames seem to have an interest -- Bernier is slated to get the start.
“That’s the great thing about life, you just work hard and prepare, it’s amazing how breaks go your way,” said Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, as per the Globe and Mail.
“He’s got to do the same now. He’s starting the next game, you’ve got to dig in, he’s got to compete and he’s got to battle and he’s got to find his mojo. And he gets an opportunity now he might not have got.”